Wide safety strap for electrical fixtures

ABSTRACT

An electrical fixture having a front side and a back side and defining longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions substantially orthogonal to one another. The electrical fixture may include a body, a flange, and at least one anchor. The body may have at least one terminal extending laterally to the exterior thereof. The flange may extend laterally and longitudinally from the body to substantially preclude transverse access to the terminal from the front side of the electrical fixture. The at least one anchor may transversely extend from the flange to provide securement with a connection box.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/643,018 filed Jan. 11, 2005 for WIDE,DIELECTRIC, SAFETY STRAP, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/674,499 filed Apr. 25, 2005 for RETROFITTED, WIDE, DIELECTRIC, SAFETYSTRAP, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/697,913 filedJul. 7, 2005 for METAL FACE PLATE GROUNDING CLIP.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to electrical devices and, more particularly, tonovel systems and methods for securing face plates to electricaloutlets, switches, or the like.

2. The Background Art

Typically, the structures used to connect a face plate to an electricalfixture (e.g., outlet, switch, etc.) are limited by safety concerns.Specifically, it was believed that the connection between the decorativeface plate and the electrical fixture must be of a certain strength toensure that someone (e.g., a child) could not inadvertently remove theface plate, contact the terminals of the electrical fixture, and receivean electrical shock. This presumes that the fixture has no suchprotection absent the decorative face plate. It is time to eliminatethat presumption.

What is needed is a new apparatus and method for preventing someone frominadvertently contacting the terminals on an electrical fixture, evenwhen no decorative face plate is in place. By so doing, new structuresthat are more convenient, aesthetically pleasing, and the like may beused to secure a face plate to an electrical fixture. Moreover, newattachment schemes, greater ease of installation, more decorativefreedom, and the like may be more readily available under such relaxedstructural requirements.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the invention as embodiedand broadly described herein, a method and apparatus are disclosed inone embodiment of the present invention as including an electricalfixture, having a longitudinal direction, and fasteners for securementwithin a connection box. Such an electrical fixture may include a mainbody with a strap or flange extending laterally (e.g., side-to-side) andlongitudinally away therefrom. In some embodiments, the flange may forma skirting beyond the side of the fixture, thus limiting access from thefront of the electrical fixture to the terminals located on the sides(laterally) or back of the body. Accordingly, when an electrical fixtureis secured to a connection box, the skirting may prevent inadvertentcontact with the terminals and thereby reduce the risk of electricshock.

In selected embodiments, the skirting of an electrical fixture may havea width in the lateral direction sufficient to cooperate with a wall ofthe connection box, effectively forming an enclosure that “passes code”without the addition of a face plate. That is, the skirting may extendin the lateral direction an amount sufficient to stop objects of acodified size from being inserted within the connection box to the pointwhere they may contact a terminal. Additionally, the width of theskirting may be selected to permit multiple electrical fixtures to beinstalled laterally adjacent one another in a multi-gang connection box.The skirting may extend in the longitudinal direction sufficiently tohold (e.g., register) the electrical fixture flush with any wallpaneling surrounding the connection box.

In selected embodiments, a flange may include one or more apertures toaccommodate the securement of an anchor for connecting the electricalfixture to a connection box. Additional apertures may provide locationsfor the engagement prongs (e.g., barbs, bayonets, slides, fingers, etc.)of a face plate to engage the flange. For example, face plates inaccordance with the present invention may have engagement prongs. Theprongs may be inserted through apertures in a corresponding electricalfixture to maintain the face plate aligned securely thereagainst.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to use a screwless faceplate in accordance with the present invention on a conventionalelectrical fixture. In such embodiments, an adapter may include theskirting and apertures necessary to interface between a face plate inaccordance with the present invention and the conventional electricalfixture. If desired, the fasteners used to secure a conventionalelectrical fixture to a connection box may also secure the adapter tothe conventional electrical fixture. Thus, for example, the adapted,conventional fixture may then include on its front a wide strap forreceiving a “new” style of face plate and on its back a quick-connectinganchor.

In selected embodiments, the exterior face of a face plate may have acoating or laminant applied thereto to provide a particular pattern,appearance, style, finish, or the like. For example, in selectedembodiments, a thin metal layer may be applied to the exterior face of aface plate. Thus the metal layer is electrically isolated from thefixture. In such embodiments, it may be desired or necessary to groundsuch metal portions of a face plate. Accordingly, if desired ornecessary, an electrical fixture may include a grounding clip inaccordance with the present invention.

A grounding clip in accordance with the present invention may be anydevice that creates a ground path between the metal portion or portionsof a face plate and a grounding wire within the connection box. In someembodiments, a grounding clip may engage the skirting of an electricalfixture and extend forward to contact the metal portion or portions of aface plate. A grounding clip may also include a wire lead extendingbackward toward the interior of the connection box. Accordingly, thewire lead may facilitate connection between the clip and the groundingwire within the connection box.

In certain embodiments, a clear path may be provided between thegrounding clip and the metal portion or portions (e.g., covering) of theface plate. For example, in one embodiment, the back surface of a metalcovering may be exposed in one or more areas to be positionedtransversely (e.g., front or back directions) adjacent certain portionsof the skirting. Accordingly, a grounding clip positioned on theskirting may extend in the lateral direction from the body of theelectrical fixture to make grounding contact with the metal covering. Ifdesired or necessary, more than one grounding clip may be applied to anelectrical fixture. For example, a first grounding clip may ground afirst metal portion of a face plate, while a second grounding clip mayground a second metal portion of the face plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of the present invention will become more fullyapparent from the following description and appended claims, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are,therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described with additional specificity and detail through use ofthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an electrical fixturehaving a wide safety strap in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrical fixture of FIG. 1 appliedto a connection box in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a face plate inaccordance with the present invention for covering an electrical fixturesuch as that of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of an engagement prong of a faceplate approaching an engagement aperture formed in the flange of asafety strap in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side, cross-sectional view of an engagement prong of a faceplate deflecting inward to facilitate insertion thereof into anengagement aperture formed in the flange of a safety strap in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side, cross-sectional view of an engagement prong of a faceplate resiliently returned to its original shape once insertion iscompleted into an engagement aperture formed in the flange of a safetystrap in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial, side, cross-sectional view of a face platelaminated with an aesthetic metal covering in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective, exploded view of one embodiment of a wideadapter in accordance with the present invention with a correspondingconventional electrical fixture to which the adapter may be retrofit;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the electrical fixture of FIG. 1 with agrounding clip applied thereto for grounding the metal portions of aface plate in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a face plate including an aestheticmetal covering and providing exposed portions on the back face of themetal covering to facilitate contact by a grounding clip in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial, end, cross-sectional view of grounding clipapplied to an electrical fixture in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a partial, end, cross-sectional view of the grounding clipand electrical fixture of FIG. 11 with the face plate of FIG. 10 appliedthereto in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a grounding clip withbarbs for resisting removal in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a grounding clip withmultiple extensions in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of two electrical fixtures having a widesafety strap in accordance with the present invention positioned withina multi-gang connection box.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of the presentinvention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawingsherein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the system and method of the present invention, asrepresented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention, as claimed, but is merely representative of variousembodiments in accordance with the invention. The illustratedembodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to thedrawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, in selected embodiments in accordance with thepresent invention, an electrical fixture 10 (e.g., outlet, switch, etc.)may secure to a connection box 12 in any suitable manner. For example,in some embodiments, one or more anchors 14 extending from an electricalfixture 10 may engage one or more receivers formed in a correspondingconnection box 12. Such securements are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,840,800, issued Jan. 11, 2005 and entitled DEFLECTING SECUREMENTANCHOR FOR ELECTRICAL FIXTURES, which is incorporated herein byreference.

In certain embodiments, electrical fixtures 10 in accordance with thepresent invention may include a main body 16 with a strap 18 or flange18 extending away therefrom in longitudinal 20 a and lateral 20 bdirections. In some embodiments, the flange 18 of an electrical fixture10 may form a skirting 22 limiting access from the front 24 of theelectrical fixture 10 to the terminals 26 located on the sides 28 orback 30 of the body 16. Accordingly, when an electrical fixture 10 issecured to a connection box 12, the skirting 22 may prevent inadvertentcontact with the terminals 26 and, thereby, reduce the risk of electricshock.

Skirting 22 in accordance with the present invention may be formed ofany suitable materials. Suitable materials may include conductors aswell as dielectrics. For example, in one embodiment, the skirting 22 maybe formed of a polymer exhibiting dielectric properties. In selectedembodiments, the skirting 22 may be monolithically formed (e.g., onepiece) or even homogeneously formed (e.g., molded as a single material)with the face 32 of the body 16.

Skirting 22 in accordance with the present invention may have anysuitable dimension. For example, in selected embodiments, the skirting22 may have a width 34 in the lateral direction 20 b sufficient tocooperate with wall 35 of the connection box 12 in forming an enclosurethat “passes code” without the addition of a face plate. That is, theskirting 22 may extend in the lateral direction 20 b an amountsufficient to stop objects of a codified size from being inserted withinthe connection box 12 (e.g., within the gap 36 between the skirting 22and the open face of the connection box 12) to the point where they maycontact a terminal 26. Additionally, the width 34 of the skirting 22 maybe selected to permit multiple electrical fixtures 10 to be installedlaterally 20 b adjacent one another in a multi-gang connection box 12.In certain embodiments, the skirting 22 may extend in the longitudinaldirection 20 a sufficient to hold the electrical fixture 10 flush withany wall paneling surrounding the connection box 12.

In selected embodiments, a flange 18 may include one or more apertures38 to accommodate the securement of an anchor 14. Additional apertures40 may provide locations for the engagement prongs of a face plate 20 toengage the flange 18. Still other apertures 42 in the flange 18 mayaccommodate screws for securing traditional face plates.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, in certain applications, screws and othersecurement devices may be unsightly. In these applications it may bedesirable to provide a snap-on face plate 44 to provide fast securementwithout the use of screws. Face plates 44 in accordance with the presentinvention may have engagement prongs 46. The prongs 46 may be insertedthrough apertures 40 in a corresponding electrical fixture 10 tomaintain the face plate 44 aligned securely thereagainst.

In selected embodiments in accordance with the present invention, aninstaller may first connect an electrical fixture 10 to the lines orwires housed in a connection box 12. A face plate 44 may be installed bysimply pressing the engagement prongs 46 through the appropriateapertures 40 in the electrical fixture 10. Once an electrical fixture 10has been connected to the lines and a face plate 44 applied, theelectrical fixture 10 may be secured to the connection box 12 byinserting one or more of the attached anchors 14 into correspondingreceivers associated with the connection box 12. The anchors 14 may beinserted a selected distance into the receivers until the face plate 44is properly positioned.

Engagement prongs 46 in accordance with the present invention may beformed to have multiple extensions 48. The extensions 48 may be securedto the face plate 44 by flexible necks 50. A flex clearance 52 may beprovided between the extensions 48 so that as the prong 46 is inserted54 through an aperture 40, the extensions 48 deflect inward 56. Once theprong 46 has passed 58 through the aperture 40, the extensions 48 maysubstantially resiliently return to their neutral position and engagethe edges of the aperture 40.

In selected embodiments, the extensions 48 may be shaped to release at adesired removal loading. Thus, once the face plate 44 is removed, it maybe used again. For example, the extensions 48 may be provided with ataper 60. The taper 60 may allow each extension 48 to gradually flex andbend inward 56 into the flex clearance 52 as the face plate 44 is pulledaway from the electrical fixture 10. The taper 60 may also tend to biasthe engagement prongs 46 into complete engagement with the apertures 40.

Engagement prongs 46 in accordance with the present invention may haveany suitable configuration. The number of prongs 46 may range from oneto several and be selected to provide a balanced securement between aface plate 44 and an electrical fixture 10. In one embodiment, anengagement prong 46 is positioned within each of the four quadrants ofthe face plate 44.

The number of extensions 48 making up each prong 46 may also range fromone to several (typically two to four), depending on a desiredengagement strength, ease of manufacture, ease of installation, ease ofremoval, and the like. In one embodiment, each prong 46 includes twoextensions 48. Prongs 46 may grip inwardly (between) or outwardlyagainst an aperture 40.

A screwless face plate 44 in accordance with the present invention maybe formed of any suitable material. Characteristics considered whenselecting a material may include, for example, cost, aesthetics,dielectric constant, thermal capacity, strength, toughness, flexibility,formability, and the like. In one embodiment, a face plate 44 withcorresponding engagement prongs 46 may be monolithically formed of apolymer.

Referring to FIG. 7, in selected embodiments, the exterior face 62 of aface plate 44 may have a coating 64 or laminant 64 applied thereto toprovide a particular pattern, appearance, style, finish, or the like.For example, in selected embodiments, a thin metal layer 64 may beapplied to the exterior face 62 of a face plate 44. Such a thin metallayer 64, for example, may be formed of brass, brushed brass, nickle,brushed nickle, steel, stainless steel, oxidized iron, tin, aluminum,brushed aluminum, copper, oxidized copper, brushed copper, or the like.In one embodiment, the coating 64 may be applied in a lamination processusing an adhesive. Other coating techniques are available.

Referring to FIG. 8, in selected embodiments, it may be desirable to usea screwless face plate 44 as illustrated in FIG. 3 with a conventionalelectrical fixture 10. In such embodiments, an adapter 66, formed as adistinct and independent piece, may include the skirting 22 andapertures 38, 40, 42 necessary to interface between the face plate 44and the conventional electrical fixture 10. The fasteners used to securea conventional electrical fixture 10 to a connection box 12 may alsosecure the adapter 66 to the electrical fixture 10. Alternatively, thefasteners used to secure anchors 14 to an electrical fixture 10 may alsosecure the adapter 66 to the electrical fixture 10.

In certain embodiments, prongs 46, extending through the apertures 40 ofan adapter 66, may interfere with the extensions 68 or “rabbit ears”sometimes found on the flanges 18 of conventional electrical fixtures10. In such embodiments, the extensions 68, typically already scored,may be broken off to provide proper clearance for the prongs 46.

An adapter 66 in accordance with the present invention may be formed ofany suitable material. Suitable materials may include conductors as wellas dielectrics. For example, in one embodiment, an adapter 66 may beformed of a tough and hard polymer exhibiting certain dielectricproperties and suitable for accepting pigmentation and molding in eithera smooth satin or glossy finish. The skirting 22 of an adapter 66 mayhave dimensions (e.g., width 34) as discussed hereinabove.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, in certain embodiments, it may be desiredor necessary to ground the metal portions of a face plate 44. Forexample, in selected embodiments, a face plate 44 may have a metalcovering 64. Accordingly, building regulations or codes may require thatsuch a metal covering 64 be grounded. Alternatively, the entire faceplate 44 may be formed of metal and require grounding.

In traditional installations, the one or more screws used to secure aface plate to the electrical fixture provided a grounding path. That is,metal screws typically formed an electrical connection between a metalface plate and the metal flange or interior of the electrical fixture.This metal flange or interior could then be grounded by a ground wirewithin the connection box 12.

However, in embodiments in accordance with the present invention, theflange 18 may often be formed of a dielectric material. Prongs 46extending from a face plate 44 to engage such a flange 18 may be formedof a dielectric material and not provide a grounding path. Moreover,screws (conductive or otherwise) cannot ground a metal face plate (orthe metal portions of a face plate) to a flange 18 formed of adielectric material. Accordingly, in selected embodiments in accordancewith the present invention, an electrical fixture 10 may include agrounding clip 70. A grounding clip 70 may be any device that creates aground path between the metal portion or portions of a face plate 44 anda grounding wire within the connection box 12.

In some embodiments, a grounding clip 70 may engage the skirting 22 ofan electrical fixture 10 and extend forward to contact the metal portionor portions of a face plate 44. In selected embodiments, a clip 70 mayinclude a wire lead 72 extending backward toward the interior of theconnection box 12. Accordingly, the wire lead 72 may facilitateconnection between the clip 70 and the grounding wire within theconnection box 12. For example, in certain embodiments, the wire lead 72may extend a length sufficient to facilitate an engagement with thegrounding wire within the connection box 12 using a twist-on wireconnector. In other embodiments, the wire lead 72 may be omitted. Insuch embodiments, the grounding wire within the connection box 12 mayextend to contact and engage the clip 70 directly.

In certain embodiments, a clear path may be provided between thegrounding clip 70 and the metal portion or portions (e.g., covering 64)of the face plate 44. For example, in one embodiment, the back surface74 of a metal covering 64 may be exposed in the areas to be positionedtransversely 20 c adjacent the portions of the skirting 22 extending inthe lateral direction 20 b from the body 16 of the electrical fixture10. So arranged, a grounding clip 70 positioned anywhere along theskirting 22 extending in the lateral direction 20 b from the body 16 ofthe electrical fixture 10 may make grounding contact with the metalcovering 64.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in selected embodiments, a grounding clip70 may include an engagement portion 76 and a contact portion 78. Theengagement portion 76 may be primarily responsible for securing the clip70 to the electrical fixture 10 (e.g., to the skirting 22 of theelectrical fixture 10). In certain embodiments, the engagement portion76 may be configured as a spring loaded clamp formed of a conductivematerial (e.g., thin sheet metal). In such an arrangement, theengagement portion 76 may rely on the resiliency of the conductivematerial to provide the force necessary to squeeze or grip the skirting22 therewithin. In some embodiments, the wire lead 72 may extend fromone side of the engagement portion 76 while the contact portion 78extends from the other.

The contact portion 78 of a grounding clip 70 may include an extension80 or cantilever 80 extending to providing grounding contact with themetal portions of the face plate 44. In selected embodiments, theresiliency of the conductive material forming the contact portion 78 mayprovide the force necessary to bias the extension 80 or cantilever 80against the metal covering 64 or other metal portions of the face plate44. Accordingly, the contact portion 78 may provided adequate groundingcontact with face plates 44 of varying dimension or configuration.

Referring to FIG. 13, in selected embodiments, a grounding clip 70 maybe formed of a continuous section of thin sheet metal bent as necessaryto form the engagement portion 76 and the contact portion 78. If desiredor necessary, in a neutral position, the mouth of the engagement portion76 may have an opening height 82 less than the height 84 at the back ofthe engagement portion 78. Once installed, this bias may improve theability of the engagement portion 76 to squeeze or grip the electricalfixture 10 in the transverse direction 20 c.

A lead wire 72 may secure to a grounding clip 70 in any suitable manner.For example, in selected embodiments, the engagement portion 76 of thegrounding clip 70 may include a lip 86 extending in substantially thetransverse direction 20 c. The lip 86 may facilitate application of theclip 70 to the electrical fixture 10. Additionally, the lip 86 mayprovide a location for securing the wire lead 72. In some embodiments,the lip 86 may provide a location to solder the wire lead 72 to the clip70. In other embodiments, a lip 86 may provide the material necessaryfor crimping the wire lead 72 to the clip 70. Alternatively, the lip 86may provide a location for securing the grounding wire extending fromwithin the connection box 12. If desired or necessary, the lip 86 may beomitted. In such embodiments, the wire lead 72 or grounding wireextending from within the connection box 12 may connect to the groundingclip 70 at some other location.

In certain embodiments, a grounding clip 70 may be configured to resistremoval after installation. For example, in some embodiments, theengagement portion 76 of a grounding clip 70 may include one or morebarbs 88. Such barbs 88 may permit the engagement portion 76 to beadvanced unto the electrical fixture 10, yet bite into the electricalfixture 10 to resist a removal force. In selected embodiments, the oneor more barbs 88 may be formed in a stamping process where an inwardlydirected cantilever is cut from the base material of the engagementportion 76.

Referring to FIG. 14, in selected embodiments, the contact portion 78 ofa grounding clip 70 may be formed to include more than one extension 80or cantilever 80 extending to providing grounding contact with the metalportions of the face plate 44. The different extensions 80 may extend tocontact different metal portions of the face plate 44. Alternatively,the different extensions may increase the likelihood that at least oneadequate grounding contact will be formed. That is, an obstacle orirregularity stopping one extension 80 from making proper contact shouldnot stop the other extensions 80 from making contact. Accordingly, thegrounding clip 70 may continue to perform its intended function.

If desired or necessary, more than one grounding clip 70 may be appliedto an electrical fixture 10. For example, a first grounding clip 70 mayground a first metal portion of a face plate 44, while a secondgrounding clip 70 may ground a second metal portion of the face plate44.

Referring to FIG. 15, as noted hereinabove, in selected embodiments, theskirting 22 may extend in the lateral direction 20 b an amountsufficient to stop objects of a codified size from being inserted withinthe connection box 12 (e.g., within the gap 36 between the skirting 22and the open face of the connection box 12) to the point where they maycontact a terminal 26. Additionally, the width 34 of the skirting 22 maybe selected to permit multiple electrical fixtures 10 to be installedlaterally 20 b adjacent one another in a multi-gang connection box 12.In certain embodiments, the skirting 22 may extend in the longitudinaldirection 20 a sufficiently to hold the electrical fixture 10 flush withany wall paneling surrounding the connection box 12.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative,and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. An electrical fixture having a front side and a back side anddefining longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions substantiallyorthogonal to one another, the electrical fixture comprising: a bodycomprising a front portion corresponding to the front side and a backportion corresponding to the back side and having at least one terminalextending laterally to the exterior thereof; a flange, formed of adielectric material, extending laterally and longitudinally from thebody as a homogeneous and monolithic extension of the front portion tosubstantially preclude transverse access to the terminal from the frontside of the electrical fixture, the flange having a lateral dimensionsupporting installation of the electrical fixture in both single gangand multi-gang connection boxes; and at least one anchor transverselyextending from the flange to directly engage a connection box.
 2. Theelectrical fixture of claim 1, further comprising a face plate directlyengaging the flange.
 3. The electrical fixture of claim 2, wherein theface plate comprises at least one engagement prong.
 4. The electricalfixture of claim 3, wherein the flange is further provided at least oneaperture extending therethrough to receive the at least one engagementprong.
 5. An assembly defining longitudinal, lateral, and transversedirections substantially orthogonal to one another, the assemblycomprising: a connection box having a first wall and a second wall,spaced laterally apart; and an electrical fixture connected to theconnection box and comprising: a body comprising a back portion havingat least one terminal extending laterally therefrom and a front portion;a flange extending homogeneously and monolithically from the frontportion and having a lateral dimension selected to properly space theelectrical fixture in both single gang and multi-gang configurations; ananchor extending from the flange to directly engage the connection box;and the flange cooperating with the first wall to substantially precludeinadvertent access to the at least one terminal from outside theconnection box.
 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein; the body comprisesa first side and a second side, spaced laterally apart; and the at leastone terminal comprises a first terminal positioned on the first side ofthe body and a second terminal positioned on the second side of thebody.
 7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the flange comprises a firstportion extending laterally from the first side of the body and a secondportion extending laterally from the second side of the body.
 8. Theassembly of claim 7, wherein; the first potion of the flange cooperateswith the first wall to substantially preclude inadvertent access to thefirst terminal from outside the connection box; and the second portionof the flange cooperates with the second wall to substantially precludeinadvertent access to the second terminal from outside the connectionbox.
 9. The electrical fixture of claim 8, further comprising a faceplate directly engaging the flange.
 10. The electrical fixture of claim9, wherein the face plate comprises at least one engagement prong; andthe flange is further provided at least one aperture extendingtherethrough to receive the at least one engagement prong.
 11. Anassembly defining longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directionssubstantially orthogonal to one another, the assembly comprising: amulti-gang connection box; and a first electrical fixture connected tothe connection box and comprising a first body, including a back portionhaving at least one terminal extending laterally to the exterior thereofand a front portion, and a first flange homogeneously and monolithicallyextending laterally and longitudinally from the front portion of thefirst body; a second electrical fixture connected to the connection boxat a location laterally adjacent the first electrical fixture andcomprising a second body having a second flange extending therefrom; andthe first and second electrical fixtures, wherein the first flangecooperates with the second flange to substantially preclude inadvertentaccess to the at least one terminal from outside the connection box.